In this episode, Daniel Laurean sits down with South African sommelier and filmmaker Michael Gabagas to unpack one of the least-spoken realities among migrant professionals — the Black Tax: the unspoken responsibility to financially support family back home.Michael shares the personal story that inspired his upcoming documentary, tracing how informal remittances have become a $700 billion global flow — a lifeline for some and a burden for others. From sending money five times in one month to realizing how emotional giving can be, he opens up about guilt, pride, and the thin line between love and dependency.Together, they explore:Why Black Tax exists and how it silently shapes lives across Africa, Asia, and Latin AmericaHow technology and instant transfers have changed the psychology of givingThe danger of creating dependency vs. inspiring growthThe cultural weight of “what will the neighbors say”What happens when emotional obligation meets financial realityHow migrants can set boundaries without losing their identityA raw, honest conversation about family, sacrifice, and what it truly means to “make it.”🎬 Follow Michael Gabagas and stay tuned for his upcoming documentary on the Black Tax phenomenon.💬 Key TakeawaysEmotional economics: most remittances are driven by guilt, love, and nostalgia — not spreadsheets.A double-edged sword: helping family can either empower them or breed dependency.Historical weight: colonialism, inequality, and corruption still echo through today’s migration patterns.Digital remittances = emotional triggers: instant requests mean instant giving.The wine-making metaphor: “the worse the soil, the better the wine” — over-supporting others can weaken their roots.Global lens: the “Black Tax” extends far beyond race — any migrant who supports loved ones abroad feels it.Self-care first: “You can’t give what you don’t have.” Setting boundaries is an act of love.My Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/daniel.laurean/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-laurean-25b50085/https://www.daniellaurean.com#blacktax #remittances #africandiaspora #migrationstories #collectiveprojectpodcast #michaelgabagas #daniallaurean #familyobligations #cultureandmoney #emotionalfinance #selfcarefirst #documentaryfilm #modernwisdomstyle #mentalhealthmatters #diasporalife
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Andrew Agbaje, a physician-turned-researcher behind the groundbreaking urFIT-child project. His work focuses on the early warning signs of disease in children and how everyday lifestyle choices—sedentariness, poor diet, overexposure to technology—can quietly shape a child's lifelong health outcomes.We explore:How public health systems are missing early opportunities to prevent disease.Why your child sitting for 9 hours a day is more dangerous than you think.The cultural myth of the “healthy chubby kid.”Why prevention doesn’t make money—and who’s invested in keeping it that way.The role of parenting, media, religion, and education in shaping a child’s health.How to raise resilient kids in a distracted, hyperconnected world.Andrew’s message is clear and powerful: kids are not mini-adults. Let them move, explore, and be kids.This is a deep dive into health, responsibility, and the generational impact of our choices.🔍 Topics We DiscussedThe turning point that made Dr. Agbaje leave clinical medicine for researchWhy many hospital visits are preventableWhat the Children of the 90s data reveals about early disease developmentHow sedentary behavior in childhood shifts toward disease in young adulthoodParenting trends from the 90s to now—and their consequencesThe invisible cost of obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation in youthWhy we confuse body image with healthWhy prevention doesn’t get fundedThe silent influence of media and religion on health behaviorsHow Finland rebuilt its food system—and what the rest of the world can learnPractical advice for parents on raising healthy children today🔗 Listen Now and Subscribe for More🎧 Available on:YouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsSubscribe so you never miss an episode.👤 Follow Dr. Andrew Agbaje🌐 Website: https://urfit-child.com📍 University of Eastern Finland Profile: Just search “Andrew Agbaje UEF”📄 Published research & public education tools available on the siteMy Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/daniel.laurean/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-laurean-25b50085/https://www.daniellaurean.comPodcast#childhealth #preventivemedicine #andrewagbaje #parentingtips #urfitchild #publichealth #childhoodobesity #screenfreekids #familyhealth #modernparenting #metabolichealth #collectiveprojectpodcast
Burnout isn’t just about long hours—it’s an identity crisis hiding in plain sight. In this powerful episode, Dr. Leonor Carvalho—a burnout coach, hypnotherapist, and former academic who hit rock bottom—exposes the real causes of exhaustion and how to break free before it’s too late.Why now? Because “burnout” has become a buzzword thrown around after a stressful day, but the reality is far more dangerous. Burnout can erode your health, relationships, and purpose if you don’t catch it early. Leonor reveals the invisible warning signs, why overachievers and leaders are especially at risk, and how to build the resilience needed to thrive in modern work and life.What you’ll learn in this episode:The invisible early warning signs of burnout most people ignore.Why perfectionism, people pleasing, and overachievement fuel exhaustion.How leaders unknowingly spread burnout across entire teams.The difference between being tired and being truly burned out.Practical steps to build boundaries, resilience, and life balance.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re just tired—or on the edge of something more serious—this conversation will give you clarity, tools, and a new perspective on success.Topics DiscussedBurnout as an identity crisis beyond overworkPerfectionism, people pleasing, and overachievement as drivers of burnoutInvisible early symptoms of burnout: headaches, immune issues, inability to disconnectThe contagious nature of leadership burnout and toxic workplacesStress as a physical condition: why prevention is keyWork-life balance vs. life balance: reframing how we live and workThe role of culture in shaping resilience and burnout tendenciesUniversities failing to teach time management and emotional intelligenceBoundaries and saying no as a burnout prevention strategySocial media’s amplification of comparison and hustle guiltGenerational resilience differences and the inability to be boredThe art of just being and the role of meditationParenting and teaching emotional regulation to childrenListen Now & Subscribe for MoreIf this conversation resonates with you, hit subscribe and join the community. New episodes weekly, diving deep into mental health, leadership, and the hidden forces shaping our lives. Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it—your support helps the podcast reach more people.Follow the Guest👉 Follow Dr. Leonor Carvalho on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonor-carvalho-burnout-coach/👉 Follow Dr. Leonor Carvalho on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.leonorcarvalho👉 Visit her website: https://leonorcoaching.comSupport her work by sharing this conversation.00:00 – Dr. Leonor Carvalho on the hidden epidemic of burnout01:24 – Is burnout really an identity crisis?05:36 – Perfectionism and guilt: how Finland faces burnout differently07:41 – Early warning signs of burnout you must not ignore12:15 – Leadership burnout and toxic workplaces explained17:35 – Burnout vs being tired: the real difference26:01 – Why prevention is the only true solution31:14 – Productivity vs busyness: the dangerous confusion40:15 – Dr. Carvalho’s personal story of burnout during her PhD47:02 – Rethinking work-life balance: why it doesn’t exist55:36 – The silver linings of burnout and lessons learned1:05:07 – Social media, comparison, and the shiny object trap1:15:09 – Generational differences in resilience and coping1:20:14 – The art of just being: meditation and silence1:25:36 – Final advice: how to find your true potential without burning outMy Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/daniel.laurean/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-laurean-25b50085/https://www.daniellaurean.comPodcast#burnout #stressmanagement #mentalhealth #productivity #leadership #worklifebalance #perfectionism #selfcare #resilience #peoplepleasing #emotionalintelligence #exhaustion #overachievers #coaching #personalgrowth
Being “nice” is ruining your life—and no one has the guts to tell you.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Robert Glover, author of the explosive bestseller No More Mr. Nice Guy, to uncover the brutal truth behind why men today feel anxious, unfulfilled, and stuck in cycles of people-pleasing.We talk about how childhood trauma, emotional suppression, and cultural expectations create the so-called “Nice Guy Syndrome”—and how it secretly destroys your relationships, confidence, sex life, and self-respect.🔥 If you’ve ever felt like you're doing everything right but still being ignored, rejected, or walked all over—this conversation will flip your reality.Expect to uncover:Why doing everything “right” often leads to frustration and failureHow covert contracts destroy relationshipsWhat real masculinity looks like today (hint: it’s not aggression or passivity)The truth about emotional tension and sexual polarityHow fatherhood can either break the cycle—or pass it downThis conversation is packed with raw insights, practical tools, and uncomfortable truths that every man (and woman) needs to hear.👉 Subscribe for more weekly episodes that challenge the status quo and help you upgrade your thinking: Dr. Robert Glovers Work:https://www.drglover.com/no-more-mr-nice-guy/the-book.htmlhttps://www.instagram.com/drgloverofficial/https://integrationnation.net/https://www.youtube.com/@UCoE3wa0c4QjlGuZoOgjr9PA Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nice Guy Syndrome00:33 The Origins of Nice Guy Behavior03:14 Parenting and Raising Confident Children06:29 The Role of Fathers in Child Development09:24 Navigating Masculinity in Modern Society12:29 Building Healthy Relationships for Children15:02 The Impact of Social Media on Young Men18:01 Creating a Supportive Environment for Kids20:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts29:59 The Impact of Parenting on Male Identity39:04 Recognizing and Preventing Parentification44:06 The Struggles of Nice Guys in Relationships50:36 The Challenge of Receiving Help01:02:12 Reframing Roles in Relationships01:03:24 Understanding Covert Contracts in Nice Guy Syndrome01:05:08 Understanding Covert Contracts01:09:39 The Importance of Overt Contracts01:11:18 Expressing Needs in Relationships01:19:27 The Madonna-Whore Complex01:26:44 Signs of Maturity in Men01:28:56 Practical Steps for Nice GuysMy Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/daniel.laurean/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-laurean-25b50085/https://www.daniellaurean.comPodcast#mentalhealth#selflove#selfcare#mindset#gratitude#mentalhealthawareness#depression#anxiety#mensmentalhealth#masculinity#redpill#masculineenergy#menshealth#mentalhealthmatters#suicideprevention#endthestigma#mensmentalhealthawareness#mensmentalhealthmatters#positivemasculinity#emotionalintelligence#MasculinityRedefined #MentalHealthMatters #PursuitOfMeaning #DeepConversations #TheCollectiveProject #DeepConversations
Why is modern love failing—and what can we do to stop it from taking society down with it?In this episode, I sit down with evolutionary scholar and author Mads Larsen, whose groundbreaking book Stories of Love from Vikings to Tinder traces the 800-year transformation of mating ideologies—from tribal polygyny to feminist individualism—and exposes why today’s dating landscape may be the most dysfunctional in human history.We discuss how Tinder distorts mate selection, why birthrates are plummeting worldwide, and how freedom, feminism, and technology are reshaping our evolutionary future. Mads also dives into controversial ideas like “insing” (involuntary single women), matriarchal polygamy, and AI-powered family structures.This conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about relationships, gender dynamics, and the survival of the modern world.Expect to learn:Why today’s dating apps reward only the top 5% of menThe evolutionary mismatch between female mate choice and modern societyHow free women can lead to demographic collapse—and what we can do about itWhy traditional solutions (like paying people to have kids) are failingWhat the Fourth Industrial Revolution means for sex, love, and reproductionWhether AI, artificial wombs, and robotic nannies are our reproductive future📘 Download Mads Larsen’s book for free: Stories of Love from Vikings to Tinderhttps://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/93108/9781040157152.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y📄 Read the full paper: "Enough With the Incels! A Literary Cry for Help From Female Insings" (Involuntary Single) https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2024-78558-001.pdf👉 If you found this episode thought-provoking, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment. Check out Mads work: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mads-Larsen-14It helps us reach more minds like yours. Main Topics DiscussedThe origins and purpose of the book Stories of Love from Vikings to TinderHistorical mating regimes: from polygyny to monogamyThe three sexual revolutions and their societal effectsFemale freedom vs. reproductive declineThe paradox of modern dating apps and stratified mating marketsPromiscuous vs. pair-bonding attraction systemsThe rise of involuntary single women (“insing”)Economic and technological drivers behind declining fertilityThe Fourth Industrial Revolution and the future of reproductionMatriarchal polygamy and alternative social structuresArtificial wombs, AI parenting, and post-labor societiesNorway’s role as a feminist leader—and test case for survivalCultural responsibility in shaping future mating environmentsChapters00:00 Introduction to Mating Ideologies02:18 Historical Context of Mating Systems05:21 The Evolution of Individualism and Female Emancipation08:20 Cultural Differences in Reproductive Trends11:24 The Impact of Dating Apps on Modern Relationships14:38 The Dynamics of Male and Female Attraction17:25 The Role of Society in Male Marginalization20:34 The Consequences of Sexual Revolution23:29 Addressing the Fertility Crisis26:17 The Future of Relationships and Reproduction37:28 Empowering Women in Childbearing Decisions40:49 Reimagining Family Structures43:11 The Impact of AI and Automation on Society44:38 The Future of Reproduction and Parenting51:48 Cultural Perspectives on Fertility57:29 Economic Factors Influencing Reproduction01:04:39 The Role of Culture in Reproductive Choices01:09:09 Responsibility Towards Future Generations01:10:49 Exploring the Reproductive Crisis01:11:57 Cultural Shifts in ReproductionMy Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/daniel.laurean/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-laurean-25b50085/https://www.daniellaurean.comPodcast#MasculinityRedefined #MentalHealthMatters #PursuitOfMeaning #DeepConversations #TheCollectiveProject #DeepConversations #datingadvice
Why does Denmark consistently rank as one of the happiest countries in the world? And what does that have to do with how you parent your kids?In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Joelle Alexander—bestselling author of The Danish Way of Parenting—to unpack the cultural and psychological foundations of parenting that foster resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence in children.We explore what makes Danish parenting unique, how Nordic societies prioritize wellbeing over productivity, and why giving kids more freedom and fewer ultimatums can radically improve their mental health. Jessica breaks down the six powerful principles of the Danish model—P.A.R.E.N.T.—and shares why screen time doesn’t have to be the enemy of connection.We also dive into:The invisible cultural settings we carry into parenthoodWhy American parenting often misses the mark on trust and autonomyHer new book The Danish Way Everyday, and how to apply these principles from toddlers to teensA refreshing take on digital citizenship, reframing tech from fear to trustWhether you're a parent, teacher, or just someone reflecting on how your childhood shaped you, this episode is packed with grounded wisdom and real-world tools.Subscribe for more in-depth conversations that challenge how we think about parenting, culture, and growth.Keep up with Jessica / jessicajoellealexander / raisingdigitalcitizens https://thedanishway.com/ / jessicajoellealexander https://geni.us/6mhvUChapters00:00 Introduction to Parenting Across Cultures00:16 Cultural Influences on Happiness and Parenting03:10 Learning from Diverse Parenting Styles06:14 The Importance of Play in Child Development09:09 Understanding Danish Happiness and Parenting Principles12:22 Exploring the Six Principles of Danish Parenting14:58 Authenticity and Emotional Awareness in Parenting18:07 Reframing Challenges for Resilient Kids21:25 Internal vs. External Locus of Control24:05 Empathy as a Core Value in Parenting27:21 Balancing Empathy and Competitiveness47:52 Fostering Community and Team Spirit48:43 Cultural Differences in Competition50:05 The Importance of Teamwork and Empathy51:46 Balancing Push and Support in Parenting54:10 The Role of Discipline Across Cultures58:05 Respect-Based Parenting vs. Authoritarian Styles59:52 Shifting from Power Struggles to Cooperation01:02:28 Understanding the Concept of Hygge01:06:41 Creating Cozy Family Moments01:10:00 Digital Citizenship and Parenting01:13:27 Preparing Kids for the Digital World01:18:17 The Invisible Classmate Concept01:21:51 Practical Applications of the Danish Way01:24:05 Starting Small: Default Settings in ParentingMy Socials / daniel.laurean / daniel-laurean-25b50085 https://www.daniellaurean.com
Why The Internet Is Changing & Europe Might Be Left Behind"
In this eye-opening episode, I’m joined by Elia Elenius, the COO of Videobot, a company at the forefront of reshaping how we engage with the internet. We unpack the rise of video as the dominant form of online communication, and why static websites are a relic of the past.
Elia shares the origin story of Videobot—a platform that fuses TikTok-like storytelling with chatbot functionality—and explains why the future of digital experience is short, snappy, and interactive. We dive into the evolution of SEO in the age of AI, the skillsets modern marketers actually need, and why emotional connection is the new currency for online businesses.
But this conversation goes deeper.
We explore the stagnation of Finland’s economy, the cultural risk-aversion plaguing Europe, and the damaging impact of overregulation—especially in light of the EU’s new AI Act. Elia holds nothing back in critiquing the European startup landscape, while also reflecting on raising children in an era of comfort and abundance.
This episode is a mix of hard truths, tactical insight, and societal reflection. If you're a builder, creator, founder, or just someone trying to understand where the world is going—this one’s for you.
Subscribe for more in-depth conversations that challenge conventional thinking.
In this raw and revelatory episode, I sit down with country-rock artist Remi Mae, a self-described “old soul” raised in the rodeo life of Western Colorado, now making waves in the heart of Texas. We unravel the layers behind her evolving sound, her analog love for tape machines, and the hauntingly real inspiration behind fan-favorite Washing Machine Song.
What unfolds is more than a conversation about music—it’s a deep dive into artistry, fame, protest, legacy, and the internal war between authenticity and algorithm. We explore how Remi navigates the madness of social media, her creative battles with the guitar, and the pressures of being a young artist with something real to say in a world addicted to filters and façade.
This is a conversation for anyone who's ever felt torn between playing the game or starting their own. Welcome to the rebellion.
“What We Can Learn From Finland, Canada, and the Cultures in Between — with Professor Melanie Kirwa”
What happens when a Canadian professor finds herself building a life, family, and career in Finland—a country known for its silence, snow, and stoicism? In this episode, Daniel sits down with Melanie Kirwa, a communications and cultural diversity professor at HAMK University, to unpack the deep cultural dynamics of adaptation, education, parenting, and identity.
From teaching business English in Brazilian boardrooms to empowering Southeast Asian women in Finnish classrooms, Melanie’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. Together, we explore:
This episode is rich with real stories, vulnerable reflections, and raw conversations on immigration, systemic bias, education reform, and the universal struggle to fit in while staying true to yourself.
If you’ve ever felt stuck between cultures—or wondered how to raise resilient, multilingual kids in a foreign land—this one’s for you.
🎧 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations that challenge how you think, feel, and live
Men’s mental health is an issue often left in the shadows. In Finland, a country that consistently ranks among the happiest in the world, thousands of men silently struggle with stress, isolation, fatherhood challenges, and mental health crises. But why aren’t they talking about it?In this eye-opening conversation, Daniel sits down with Henri Hyttinen from Miessakit, an organization dedicated to supporting men’s mental and emotional well-being. They dive into the unspoken realities of fatherhood, the psychological shifts men experience when becoming dads, and the unique pressures men face in relationships, work, and society.From coping with depression to navigating divorce, Henri shares powerful insights on why many men find it hard to seek help—and why they absolutely should. If you’ve ever felt the weight of responsibility as a man, father, or husband, this episode is for you.
🔥 What does it take to compete at the highest level in CrossFit?
Lea Schmidt didn't set out to be an elite athlete—she became one. In this episode, we explore her journey from Switzerland to Mexico, her unexpected entry into competitive CrossFit, and the mental fortitude it takes to push beyond limitations.
From grueling training sessions to the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge you, Lea shares insights on discipline, resilience, and what it truly means to be an athlete. We also dive into cultural differences, dealing with setbacks, and how the hardest moments in life can shape you into something greater.
If you're looking for raw, unfiltered wisdom on competition, mindset, and self-improvement, this is the episode for you.
🚀 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations with world-class performers.
🔗 Follow Lea Schmidt: @leacschmidt
What does it take to go from being a football-playing country boy in West Texas to managing one of the most legendary recording studios in Texas? Casey Johns, the managing partner at Yellow Dog Studios, sits down for an in-depth conversation about his evolution from a touring rock musician to a sought-after producer.
Join me in an eye-opening conversation with Will Harris, the owner of White Oak Pastures, a pioneering farm in regenerative agriculture. Once an industrial cattleman, Will made a radical shift toward sustainable, multi-species farming—one that restores the environment instead of depleting it.
Most people talk about winning. Few know what it actually takes.
Randy Doege is more than just a football coach—he’s a mentor, a father, and a builder of men. With a career spanning decades, he has transformed young athletes not just into champions on the field but into leaders off of it.
In this episode, we dive deep into the art of coaching, the importance of second chances, and the impact of mentorship. Coach Doege shares his journey from an injured high school player to one of the most respected coaches in Texas high school football. He opens up about raising two Division I football players, the sacrifices behind the success, and the tough love philosophy that separated his teams from the rest.
Sanna-Maria Siintoharju shares her pioneering work in bringing regenerative thinking to Finnish universities. She discusses its impact on agriculture, architecture, and tourism, the challenges farmers face in transitioning, and the role of consumers in driving sustainable change. The conversation highlights cultural shifts in food purchasing, the need for education to bridge traditional and regenerative practices, and the importance of raising awareness about food production. Sanna-Maria also reflects on her journey as a triathlete, the link between health and independence, and offers advice to young people on following their passions despite societal pressures.
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Max Ahonen, the 22-year-old co-founder and CEO of Dora, a revolutionary health monitoring device for dogs. Recently featured on the Finnish version of Shark Tank, Max is turning heads with his innovative approach to pet health and his rapid rise as a young entrepreneur. This conversation offers a candid look into the mind of a Gen Z entrepreneur reshaping the pet care landscape. Whether you're an aspiring founder, a pet enthusiast, or someone curious about the startup world, you won't want to miss this episode.